It’s 8:50 AM on a typical Wednesday morning at our 850 Lincoln Street location. The building is already alive with movement. People are lining up for breakfast, volunteers are prepping for the day, and the quiet hum of ministry is in full swing.

In the middle of it all stands a man many of our guests know simply as “The Shower Guy.”

His name is Ted.

Ted has been a faithful volunteer at Christ’s Body Ministries for over 15 years—on and off at first, and now every single Wednesday for the past two years without fail. When I asked him why he keeps showing up, he didn’t hesitate:

“I just think it’s the Holy Spirit that keeps bidding me to come back. I get as much out of it as anybody I help serve.”

That’s the kind of heart Ted brings. Not out of obligation or routine—but out of love. Out of calling. And if you’ve ever met Ted, you’ll know: it’s real.

Ted runs our private shower service—one of the most cherished offerings we have. For people living on the street, the chance to take a hot, private shower isn’t just hygiene. It’s dignity. It’s healing. It’s a moment of peace in a world that often feels chaotic.

On this particular morning, Ted’s got 17 names on the list. That’s 17 people—17 lives—getting a little taste of home when home feels far away.

“One guy hadn’t had a shower in over a week,” Ted told me. “It was a blessing to him. But it was also a blessing to me.”

That’s the kind of math we live by at Christ’s Body: the more you give, the more you’re filled. The deeper you serve, the more joy finds you. Ted knows this truth well.

“The people we work with are just so awesome to be around,” he said. “One guy told me he loves coming here because he believes the Lord is invested here.”

That’s probably my favorite line from our whole conversation—because it’s exactly what we pray for: that people feel God’s investment when they step through our doors.

I want to thank Ted publicly for his steadfast presence, his servant’s heart, and his Christlike grit. He’s not here for applause—he’s here because he believes in what we do. He’s here because he believes Jesus still walks these streets—and sometimes He shows up with a towel and a smile.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, let Ted be your encouragement:

“If you want to get involved, please do. You could receive a blessing just like I have.”

We need more Teds. We need more hands, more hearts, more people willing to step into sacred spaces and love our neighbors in quiet, consistent, beautiful ways.

And if you’re already serving—thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.

Keep us in your prayers. We’re out here every day, loving hard, serving well, and believing, just like that man told Ted, that the Lord is invested here.

He is.

And we are too.

With love and grit,
Tiffany Beckford
Chief Operating Officer
Christ’s Body Ministries